B9055, near Stromness, Mainland Orkney, KW16 3JZ
Ring of Brodgar
Prehistoric
Source image
8.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.2A vast prehistoric stone circle and henge on Mainland Orkney, set among open moorland. Historic Environment Scotland’s gallery shows the stones silhouetted against the low sun and casting long shadows across the landscape.
The Ring of Brodgar earns its place through the combination of an immense prehistoric monument and an exposed, atmospheric setting. This is a place to slow down, walk among the stones and take in the wider landscape—not just stop for a photograph.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling · Wild
Find your way
Open mapB9055, near Stromness, Mainland Orkney, KW16 3JZ
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Walk around the stone circle and take time to notice how the stones sit within the surrounding landscape. The site is open all year round according to Historic Environment Scotland; facilities and visit duration are not verified here.
Things to do
Take in the stone circle
Walk around the monument and notice the scale, spacing and silhouettes of the standing stones against the open landscape.
Look for the changing shadows
Historic Environment Scotland’s gallery shows stones casting long shadows across the moorland and silhouetted against low sunlight. Observe the light and shadows on the day of your visit.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check before visiting
Walk among the stones
- 01
Visit the stone circle and take time to view the stones from more than one angle.
- 02
Look out across the open landscape and notice how light changes the stones’ silhouettes and shadows.
Verified history
The supplied place description identifies the Ring of Brodgar as a stone circle dating from the late Neolithic period, with a ditch and causeways. Historic Environment Scotland names the site as the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge and says it is open all year round. The supplied evidence does not establish more detailed dates, construction phases or named historical events.
Hidden details
Look beyond the stones to their shadows — The official gallery highlights long shadows cast across brown moorland. On a visit, look at how the monument’s appearance changes with the light.
When to go
· No verified recommendation; official gallery images show the stones in low sunlight.
Historic Environment Scotland says the site is open all year round. No evidence supplied establishes a best season.
Check local conditions before travelling; no site-specific weather guidance was supplied.
What to look for
Notice the scale and spacing of the standing stones, the open moorland setting and the way changing light alters their silhouettes and shadows.
The story
Prehistoric archaeology
Best time to go
Open all year round; no season-specific advice verified.
The supplied official gallery includes low-sun silhouettes and long stone shadows. No best time of day is confirmed; check local conditions before travelling.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
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Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Historic Environment Scotland says the site is open all year round. Check current visitor information before travelling.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The supplied source information reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and seating; check current conditions and access details before visiting.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Ring of Brodgar
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
